In today’s society many people are victims of being stereotyped by others. Unfortunately, there are many myths concerning the elderly and they are generally stereotyped very negatively. Stereotypes are characteristics which are believed to describe members of a certain racial or social group. Although some might think that opinions and words cannot hurt, there is substantial empirical evidence to suggest the contrary.
Stereotype threat ideology suggests that individuals subjected to negative stereotypes about a group they belong to are more susceptible to confirming the negative characterization. It is said that when stereotypes are mentioned, it is likely that the individuals become more anxious and nervous which ultimately results in lowered performance results in lowered performance, thus reinforcing the stereotype in the mind of the observer. A study by Joanisse, Gagnon, and Voloaca (2013), entitled “The impact of stereotype threat on the simulated driving performance of older drivers”, supports the claim that stereotype threat exists. Sadly, negative stereotypes can be more detrimental than most of us care to realize. One of the most common stereotypes against the elderly is the notion that they have poor physical health, this however is simply untrue.
Stereotype threat ideology suggests that individuals subjected to negative stereotypes about a group they belong to are more susceptible to confirming the negative characterization. It is said that when stereotypes are mentioned, it is likely that the individuals become more anxious and nervous which ultimately results in lowered performance results in lowered performance, thus reinforcing the stereotype in the mind of the observer. A study by Joanisse, Gagnon, and Voloaca (2013), entitled “The impact of stereotype threat on the simulated driving performance of older drivers”, supports the claim that stereotype threat exists. Sadly, negative stereotypes can be more detrimental than most of us care to realize. One of the most common stereotypes against the elderly is the notion that they have poor physical health, this however is simply untrue.
Many people believe that with aging comes illness and physical disability. It is even believed by some that the elderly are largely incapable. This however is not the case whatsoever. The actuality is that a large portion of the elderly community are fully capable, and are able to care for themselves. An article written by Ory, Hoffman, Hawkins, Sanner, and Mockenhaupt (2003), notes the lack of physical activity promotional messages for the elderly in the media and in advertisements. This article emphasises the importance of reaching out to that age group using effective messages for motivation. As mentioned earlier many older individuals are highly capable, and could benefit significantly from greater motivation. In order to provide this for that age group, and help them attain maximum health potential, we must first educate ourselves and others, stop stereotyping, drop the idea that older people are incapable and provide them with the same tools we provide ourselves, such as promoting physical activity.
Lastly, it is also believed by many that physical illness with age is inescapable, and the elderly should not worry too much about maintaining their own health. Views such as these can be very persuasive to those belonging to the characterized group. Again, negative stereotypes such as these can be detrimental to the elderly. It can be very discouraging for the elderly to hear and be subjected to stereotypes such as these and ultimately are less likely to engage in preventive health behaviors (Levy & Myers, 2004). Hence the importance of breaking negative aging stereotypes surrounding health and illness.
What are your own experiences with elderly in which they perhaps have succumbed to self-fulling stereotype threat regarding their own health?
References: References for the post can be found here.
What are your own experiences with elderly in which they perhaps have succumbed to self-fulling stereotype threat regarding their own health?
References: References for the post can be found here.
Well put Kristen, I couldn't have said it better. I find that most people think of the elders as unable to care for themselves and usually that scares many people when they think about aging. In fact most elders live by themselves and have thriving lives. What most of us don't consider is that some seniors whom are seen as frail have pre-existing conditions therefore are unable to care for themselves without the assistance of loved ones or have to live in an assistant care living facility.
ReplyDeleteI recently watched a documentary on the Ophra Winfrey network titled "Secret Lives of Seniors." There was a story of a 97-year-old woman who has a fulfilling life, and not confirming to all the negative stereotypes about seniors being in poor health and unable to care for themselves. Ida being the oldest in the race, she ran the 100 meters dash and was able to beat her previous record. Very inspiring. Find the link to the documentary below: http://www.oprah.com/own-our-america-lisa-ling/Secret-Lives-of-Seniors-97-Year-Old-Breaks-Track-Record-Video